‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Announces Big Comic-Con 2015 Plans

There won’t be any big Marvel movie panels at San Diego Comic-Con this year. But worry not, dear nerd; you can fill the Mjolnir-shaped hole in your heart with a lightsaber (they’re basically the same size) as Lucasfilm’s announced their plans for Comic-Con next month. And they’re pretty intense.

First of all: Yes, there will be a panel forStar Wars: The Force Awakens. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, and writer Lawrence Kasdan will all be on hand (along with mystery “special guests”) to provide a “special look” at Episode VII. You’ve gotta assume there will be new footage in addition to what was revealed at April’s Star Wars Celebration.

The Force Awakens panel is on Friday in Hall H. Here’s all of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Comic-Con plans so far. All of these events take place on Friday, July 10:

Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 1: 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Room: 7AB

Join a dynamic, all-star, New York Times-bestselling panel of authors including Alexandra Bracken (the Darkest Minds series), Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark and Grim series), Tom Angleberger (The Origami Yoda series), and Tony Diterlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) in conversation with Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain about the new Star Wars retellings for a younger generation of fans. From picture books to novels, these authors present A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi in perspectives that will change the way readers understand who these beloved characters are and how they became legends for legions of fans.

Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 2: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Room: 7AB

Join a variety of authors as they talk about their upcoming projects from that galaxy far, far away. Moderated by Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain, authors from Del Rey and other publishers will participate in a discussion on writing stories for the exciting new future of the Star Wars universe.

Hasbro Star Wars, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room: 7AB

Join members of the Hasbro and Lucasfilm teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings, and word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises, including a special product reveal.

Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. In attendance will be Anita Castellar, a self-professed Star Wars fangirl who manages licensing for hardline categories at Lucasfilm such as toys, collectibles, consumer electronics, automotives, and more.

ILM 40th Anniversary, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Room: 7AB

For 40 years, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most memorable images in the history of modern cinema. From advances in the photo chemical process, optical compositing, motion control, and models and miniatures — to the company’s pioneering efforts in computer graphics, digital compositing, film scanning and recording, morphing, digital environments, performance capture, character animation and modern digital pipelines, ILM continues to break new ground in visual effects for film, television, themed attractions, and new forms of entertainment. The presenters will discuss the company’s work from its earliest days and breakthroughs along the way.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition at San Diego Comic Con 2015

For the first time, Star Wars joins forces with characters from across The Walt Disney Company in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – the next chapter in the best-selling hybrid toy/video game series. Fans are invited to the Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop, located at the heart of Gaslamp District, for the opportunity to play as Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul or any of the Star Wars characters featured in Star Wars:Twilight of the Republic and Star Wars:Rise Against the Empire.

Fans will also have a chance to step into the “Disney Infinity Only in the Toy Box” mediated reality experience, where guests virtually enter the Toy Box and interact alongside their favorite Disney Infinity characters, such as engaging in lightsaber duels with Darth Vader or Yoda, and take home a customized photo and video with their chosen character. Other Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop activities include a Toy Box TV Live Edition webcast on Twitch featuring new announcements, surprise guests, contests with prizes, and exclusive giveaways.

That Hall H panel is going to be insane. Just to be safe, you better go line up outside the convention center right now. The ScreenCrush team (including yours truly) will be all over Comic-Con this year, so you can rest assured we will be on hand to cover all the Star Wars madness. If you see me in San Diego, be sure to say hi. I’ll be the guy in the working BB-8 costume. For more details on the full Comic-Con lineup, check out StarWars.com.